company to allow the staff to have a proper voice through this very difficult and distressing process, by engaging with Usdaw to ensure our members are treated with fairness and dignity.”
Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Losing a business the size of Boohoo and Debenhams
“It is putting more and more pressure on our businesses and driving them to rationalise when we need a government that is supporting businesses to grow, thrive and put money into the national economy.
“This is a really worrying sign not just for Burnley, but the UK business community.”
This decision would be nothing short of devastating. Clearly, for those working on site and
their families, this would be a crippling loss, and for the town and community this is catastrophic
from the Burnley manufacturing community has a huge effect losing nearly 1,300 jobs. It has a knock-on effect as every job lost affects 10 more in the manufacturing community.
“I can’t help feeling that it is as a result of pressures that government are putting on business through changes to taxation and employment law.
Oliver Ryan, MP for Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield, has written to Daniel Finley, the chief executive of Debenhams Group, calling for the business to reconsider. He said: “This decision would be nothing short of devastating. Clearly, for those working on site and their families, this would be a crippling loss, and for the town and community this is catastrophic.”
A LAST GASP WINNER
In footballing terms Morecambe FC were saved from extinction deep into added time.
When all looked lost for the Shrimps and fans were coming to terms with their club going under, ending 105 years of football in the town, global sports investment group Panjab Warriors stepped in to take charge.
The new owners moved quickly to get the crisis-hit club operating, on and off the pitch, after purchasing the shares of former owner Jason Whittingham, while the National League lifted its threat of expulsion.
The conclusion of the deal, finalised on August 17, marked the end of a turbulent period. It was initially agreed in June, but as the weeks passed it looked set to collapse amid public disagreements between the two parties.
Wages went unpaid, HM Revenue and Customs applied for a winding up order and Morecambe were suspended from the league after failing to meet key financial and operational requirements.
Struggling on and off the field, the Shrimps were relegated from the EFL last season – their second drop in the past three seasons – and the National League had given them until August 20 to get its house in order or face being kicked out of the competition.
In a statement following the acquisition, the new owners said: “We can now move forward and pursue our objectives of building a football operation that is on par with the best of modern standards across clubs in England.
“Morecambe spent 18 proud years in the EFL. It is where the club belongs, and we will do everything we can to get there again.”
Gurpreet Singh, the Warriors head of communication, added: “This is more than a business venture; it’s a commitment to the fans, the town, and the future of Morecambe FC.”
The group says it aims to preserve the club’s heritage while fostering long-term success both on and off the pitch.
So, who are the Warriors? Headquartered in Hayes in west London, the group says on its website: “The Panjab Warriors team is made up of passionate individuals united by their love for football, strong community values, and unwavering integrity.
“Combining expertise in business, sport, and community engagement, we work quietly yet determinedly toward building a sustainable and thriving future in sports.”
The Sikh-led investment group’s takeover of Morecambe, marks the first time a Punjabi/ Sikh consortium has taken ownership of a professional English football club.
The group is led by businessman and philanthropist Kuljeet Singh Momi and one of its first moves was to appoint Ashvir Singh Johal as the club’s first team manager.
The 30-year-old became the first Sikh to manage a professional British club, as well as the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football.
Karen Tems Director, The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
Karen Tems
TIME TO STEP OUT OF YOUR NETWORK
COMFORT ZONE I’m a firm believer networking should be fun and that it works best in an environment where everybody feels at ease. But is there a point where you can get too comfortable?
To risk repeating myself, networking can, and should be an enjoyable experience. I am very proud that many of our members at BNCEL tell me how much they enjoy our events – some have even gone on to say they have become the highlight of their month.
For people who are passionate about their business, there’s nothing better than getting together with a bunch of likeminded people over a delicious lunch and talking a bit of shop.
However, while there is huge value in building deep relationships with good connections across the event calendar, there’s also a danger in getting into a routine of always talking to the same people you know you already know and like.
To get the best value from each event, my advice is always seek to spread the love. Yes, catch up with the people you know. But always, always, always try to speak to somebody new too.
You never know, they could turn out to be an amazing contact. One simple trick is to watch how you stand. Body language can be incredibly powerful. So, when you are catching up with one of your best buds at the start of an event, try to stand in a way that maintains an open space, that invites passing people to join you.
If you see someone passing who looks alone, literally invite them into your space. Balancing making deep connections with forging new ones is the key to successful networking.
The Business Network Central & East
Lancashire hosts a variety of networking events at quality venues across Lancashire. To find out more, go to
www.bncel.co.uk.
in association with
NEW CATEGORIES FOR 2026
AI AND TECH INNOVATION
CREATIVE BUSINESS DEAL OF THE YEAR
Deadline: 5 December 2025 The new owners of Morecambe FC LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
redroseawards.co.uk @redroseawards #RRA26
13
IN VIEW
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
